General comments

Why not a reference to 1.7.1 Alternative and/or 1.7.5 Signs and Symbols instead of combining the symbol instruction with the abbreviation instruction, especially since the point is that the SI symbols are not abbreviations? Or perhaps it could be handled by stating the units of measure are symbols, following the introduction of “cm” as a symbol in 3.5.1.3, although I’m not sure where the SI units of measure are being applied.

-- Glennan (PCC) for Steven Arakawa, Yale University, 9/14/12

I agree with Steven: SI symbols are not abbreviations so it feels a bit strange to add this instruction in the abbreviation instruction. However, I don’t think the statement could fit in 1.7.3 or 1.7.5 (like Steven proposed) because this section is about transcription, nor would it fit 3.5.1.3 because this section is about dimension. SI symbols can be used for dimension (cm) and also for speed (kpbs). They could potentially be used by agencies for time (s for second, for example) for volume (storage space: instead of describing a collection in terms of cubic ft., one could describe it in terms of cubic meter m3 [superscript] (i.e. m3). -- Dominique Bourassa, CC:DA, Sept. 17, 2012

Appendix B gives specific instructions on the use of abbreviations, and the alternative in B.1 is included to allow agencies to use different guidelines on the use of abbreviations instead if they want to. Since Appendix B does not contain instructions on the use of symbols (other than the by-the-way reminders that symbols are not abbreviations), there is no reason for B.1 to give an option to follow any other guidelines on the use of symbols. If the CCC wants clearance to use metric symbols where this appendix prescribes non-metric abbreviations (s instead of sec.), maybe that could be handled by rewording the B.1 alternative to say "in-house guidelines on the use of abbreviations, or on the use of symbols instead of abbreviations." --Robert J. Rendall 09:40, 19 September 2012 (PDT)

Constituency responses

Not clear how in-house guidelines can advance internationalization of RDA; if guidelines are based on an ISO standard, it might be better to refer to that as an alternative in the relevant instruction.

Prefer that Appendix B be renamed "Abbreviations and symbols"

Maybe this is the best approach (renaming Appendix B)
--Patricia Dragon 9/19--